On Via Nazionale, Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a Neoclassical exhibition palace and cultural centre with galleries for changing art, photography and other exhibitions. Its programme also includes film, performances, workshops and activities for children, so check what is on before you go. The building is worth seeing for its grand exterior and modern exhibition spaces, including galleries lit from above. There is also a bookshop, café and restaurant on site, with a study room for visitors who want a quiet place to work.
A palace built for exhibitions
Architect Pio Piacentini designed the Palazzo delle Esposizioni for the first National Exhibition of Fine Arts. It was among the first large monumental public buildings constructed in Rome after the city became the capital of a unified Italy.
The exterior has a Neoclassical character, while the exhibition spaces inside have been modernised. A renovation in the 2000s, led by architect Firmino Sarpella, updated the interiors with climate control and lighting and added the glass atrium known as Open Colonna.
Light from above
The upper floors were designed without conventional façade windows. Instead, natural light enters through large glass skylights and domes. This arrangement is one of the building’s distinctive architectural details, and gives the galleries a different feel from rooms lit through street-facing windows.
A changing cultural programme
The palace hosts temporary exhibitions across subjects including contemporary art, photography, history, science and design. Its programme also includes film festivals, cinema screenings, theatre, music, book events and workshops. Educational projects and activities for children are part of the offer, too.
Exhibitions change over time, so the visit depends on what is showing during your stay. Check the official programme before setting out, especially if you have a particular subject in mind. The building also has a cinema, an auditorium, a café, a restaurant and a bookshop.
FAQ
Is Palazzo delle Esposizioni closed on any day?
Yes. It is closed on Mondays.
What can you see at Palazzo delle Esposizioni?
The programme includes temporary exhibitions in art, photography and other subjects, as well as film, theatre, music and book events. Check the current schedule for what is on during your visit.
Is there a café at Palazzo delle Esposizioni?
Yes. The palace has a café, a restaurant and a bookshop.
Is Palazzo delle Esposizioni suitable for children?
Yes. The venue has family-friendly services and educational activities for children.
